For The Holiday Season, Why Not A Taste Of Local Rhode Island Music?

We’re taking a look at the local music scene in Rhode Island, with an eye toward gift giving this holiday season. Our music consultant is Tom Weyman, of...

by Chuck Hinman

We’re taking a look at the local music scene in Rhode Island, with an eye toward gift giving this holiday season. Our music consultant is Tom Weyman, of the Columbus Cooperative -- which operates the Columbus Theatre in Providence.

Weyman's also worked for a small record label, and managed several local musicians.

Weyman sat down with Rhode Island Public Radio morning host Chuck Hinman, to talk about some of the music that's come out of the Ocean State this year.

From their Christmas album, featuring original songs and covers recorded from 2008-2013. Dave and MorganEve would record a few songs every year and give them to friends and family. After Dave passed away from leukemia in 2014, MorganEve compiled all the recordings and released it as a Christmas gift to their fans.

A new album from locals Last Good Tooth, who first formed while attending RISD and Brown. They mix their influences together in a way that defies easy categorization - sure, folk, sure, rock, but is it really folk rock? I don't think so. Marc Clarkin from Motif called it "groove-orientated electric folk."

One of the most respected songwriters in the northeast recently relocated from Somerville to Providence, and we are lucky to have him. He is soft spoken but deadly funny and incredibly thoughtful with his words and lyrics. His new album is coming out next year, featuring him backed by another great Providence band, Smith & Weeden.

Loud, loud punk music, but very melodic and catchy. They were booked for the Hope Street block party and ruffled a few east side feathers, but I think the toddlers dancing (with protective earmuffs of course) had a blast.